Verge and footway parking ban extended in Tilehurst

Just a handful of objections –and one report of neighbours falling out – means the verge and footway parking ban in Tilehurst will continue.

And plans are in hand to introduce another one in Southcote.

The traffic management sub-committee received a report of the outcome of the 12-month experimental ban on parking on footways and verges in Tilehurst last Tuesday.

The Neighbourhood Action Group supported the measure and sent in comments like: “It was a great relief not to have to negotiate cars on pavements” and “It has not stopped speeding in our road, but our verges are much better maintained”.

One resident in Mayfair objected to the discontinuation of the bus service here saying: “The reason for this is quite obviously the banning of cars on the verge etc which has resulted in cars parking all along Mayfair.”

An Overdown Road resident said: “This restriction has caused our neighbours to fall out. If this is highway law, why have the rest of the streets not have (sic) the same restrictions?”

However, a report to the committee said in the consultation of the 996 letters delivered, a significant response (48 per cent) was received and of those that responded 71 per cent of householders and businesses agreed with the verge and footway parking ban.

The experiment was introduced on Tuesday, May 7, and for just over two months warning notices were sent out to people contravening the ban.

After Sunday, July 14, the warning period was up and 16 formal Penalty Charge Notices are been issued.

Chairman of the sub-committee Councillor Tony Page said of the Tilehurst experiment: “That is why we believe in an area-based approach rather than a blanket approach.”

The committee agreed to continue the Tilehurst experiment for another 12 months and as a result of its success also to introduce a footway and verge parking ban in Southcote.

The committee agreed to introduce a ban with a traffic regulation order in Southcote in Ashampstead Road, Brunel Road, Circuit Lane, Frilsham Road, Gainsborough Road, Southcote Lane and Virginia Way - affecting a total of 940 properties. Florian Gardens will not be included in the verge parking ban area.

Cllr Deborah Edwards raised concerns about disabled drivers, asking the council to ensure they would not be disadvantaged by the scheme.

When people living in Southcote were sent letters about the scheme, 281 responded to a total of 954 letters sent out and 76 per cent of the respondents were in favour of the verge/footway parking ban.

When the Southcote experimental traffic regulations order is published, people will have a further chance to comment.